Gender Myths

Male vs. Female - Which should I get?

Many people prefer getting female puppies over male puppies. This conclusion is usually based upon inaccurate information or assumptions that males are less valuable and females make better pets and companions. Because of this, females are usually priced significantly higher than males. I've been perplexed by this, as I believe male yorkies and shih tzus tend to be better all around family companions and easier to train. There are a lot of misconceptions out there, and these ideas are mainly based on individual experiences. Remember, there are always exceptions to every generalization and this is not true with all of them. Just as with human children, there are personality differences.

Females are more affectionate:
In my experience the male yorkshire terriers and shih tzus are usually more affectionate, exuberant, and attentive. They make wonderful family companions. Males also tend to be less moody. They are more outgoing, more accepting of other pets, and take quicker to children. The female may be less likely to wage a dominance battle with you, but she can be cunning and resourceful in getting her own way. Females can be very moody or grumpy. Females also tend to bond to one member of the family versus the family as a whole. This is fine if the yorkie or shih tzu were purchased only for one individual; however, I generally doubt that is the case. Males on the other hand will sometimes want to be in the company of the females of the house. It is a strange phenomenon; but one I think crosses all species of animal.

Females are less dominate:
When it comes to dominance, female Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus usually rule the roost. Dogs are “pack” animals. Females normally determine the pecking order and maintain control of the pack. Therefore, they can tend to be more independent, stubborn, and territorial at times. If two dogs are going to fight, it is usually two females. While females puppies are more dominant, males tend to be less assertive and will generally not display a completely confident attitude. This is why the majority of show dogs tend to be female. Females have that zing to them that males often lack.

Females are easier to train than males:
When it comes to training of all forms, males tend to be more easily distracted, but females tend to be more stubborn. Yorkies and Shih Tzus, as well as most toy breeds, tend to be a bit more difficult to train. I believe this is an issue with will vs. intelligence. Yorkies and Shih Tzus across the board, whether male or female, need consistency in training.

Females don’t display behaviors such as marking or overt sexual behavior:
Males will often “mark” places where other dogs have urinated. Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as humping, or marking or lifting their leg. Males that are neutered at an early age usually don't ever raise their leg to urinate. Many of these behaviors are only exhibited when the household has multiple dogs. Some traits are never exhibited.

I can't dress up a male:
Males can certainly be "dressed up." At the least, they can have a top knot with a bow and all the trimmings. Never allow the ability to "wear a dress" be the determining factor in choosing your Yorkie or Shih Tzu as you may miss out on the puppy that really connects best with you.

In my opinion, nether makes a better pet than the other. The best rule is to determine what you really want in a Yorkie or Shih Tzu and discuss that with several breeders. Once you've decided, I can assist you in the Yorkie or Shih Tzu puppy that best fits your lifestyle based on personality. Every puppy is unique regardless of its gender. I spend countless hours observing all my puppies and getting to know each one on an individual basis. This gives me a clear indication how each Yorkie and Shih Tzu puppy will fit into his or her new home.